Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwyneth Manley.
Hi Gwyneth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Portland based artist working in a range of mediums including ceramics, metal and linoleum block printing. Some of my pieces feature more than one medium. For instance, I’ll make a chainmaille necklace with a ceramic pendant, or use my carved linoleum blocks to “print” on my clay tiles.
I started my business part time in 2018 and then decided to switch to full time art in February of 2020, so the timing wasn’t great. I relied heavily on in-person art events for my income and ended up having to move back home to California. Fortunately, I was able to set up a ceramics studio at my Dad’s house and took my work to be fired at a local pottery studio. It gave me an opportunity to develop products and build up my inventory. By the time I moved back to Portland in 2021, I was able to hit the ground running at small local art markets.
This June I celebrated the 8th anniversary of StudioGwyneth and I am so excited to see where this business takes me next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. My first big set back was the pandemic, which challenged me to find alternative ways to monetize my art and also to support fellow artists. Since then my business has struggled off as the economic situation in my community has struggled. When prices for necessities go up, people are hesitant to spend on perceived luxuries, like art. I think the art industry is usually the first to feel it when the economy takes a dip.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Customers often ask me if I make everything in my booth and the answer is “Yes!” followed by ‘I just couldn’t pick a medium.” Though my work has a cohesive style that runs through it, I do make a large variety of different things. I have jewelry like earrings, and necklaces that have elements of both chainmaille and ceramic, home goods like incense burners, candles and mugs, sculptural pieces like my mini mushroom sculptures, and now linoleum block prints on paper, as stickers and even “printed” on ceramic wall hangings.
I have learned the need to temper this abundance of different products by making certain products seasonally. Items like my dried flower holders are available during the summer, while spooky products like my ghosts and pumpkins are introduced during the fall and during the holidays I bring back ornaments, and candles.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am not a huge fan of networking events, I found that the best opportunities came to me through authentic relationships with people who I share a personal connection with. I do not like trying to force relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gwynethmanley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwynethmanley_art/
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/c/StudioGwyneth
